Philosophy and Values

Philosophy and Values

Philosophy

Early childhood experiences provide a foundation for a lifetime. Early Jewish childhood education supports and enhances Jewish living in our homes and in our community. CBI Preschool and Kindergarten supports children through a developmental, constructivist approach which recognizes and addresses individual growth and needs of students and creates opportunities for children to grow at their own pace.

For the past several years, our school has been inspired by the educational philosophy of the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Based on the belief that children are active learners and born with unique abilities and modalities of expression, we have come to realize the similarities between the values of Reggio Emilia and of Judaism. The Jewish image of the child tells us that children begin to experience the world from birth. We have a commitment to our children as a Jewish community.

Our program uses the Project Based Approach building on the interests of the children. This emergent curriculum evolves from observation of the children’s conversations, interests, and play. Teachers and students collaborate to research these ideas. Children are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, find experts, and draw conclusions. Through the Project Based Approach children develop curiosity, creativity, both written and verbal communication, listening, negotiation, observation, and critical thinking skills.

Teachers document children’s progress, validating the children’s work and enabling on-going assessment. The children’s thoughts and ideas are documented through photography, video, displays and writing, as the teachers strive to support each child’s development to the fullest extent. We both nurture and challenge the whole child as he or she develops academically, emotionally, socially, cognitively, physically and spiritually.

Values

B’TZELEM ELOHIM - Appreciating Individuality
We teach respect and appreciation of each other’s differences while enabling a sense of pride in each child’s uniqueness. We are growing together and we are working towards personal betterment, but we each have different starting points, rates of growth and ways we grow. We recognize that changing circumstances and needs require flexibility. Likewise, CBI Preschool and Kindergarten changes its pedagogy as we as individuals grow and change, always striving for improvement.

HITORARUT - Awakening to Our World
We encourage an awareness of self, others, and our environment, both in the classroom and the greater world. We recognize Shehekeyanu moments as they arise. We present opportunities to discover and imagine. We encourage exploration and guide discussion, reaching beyond the apparent.

KEHILLAH - Community
We promote growth of relationships through teaching and modeling compassion, empathy, open-mindedness, and respect. We believe that collaboration between teachers, parents and children are an essential part of our environment. We support each other not just as a school, but as part of a larger community.

AHAVAH LIMUD - Love of Learning
We take a holistic approach to each child, to Judaism and to the curriculum as a whole. Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers. Together, parents and teachers work as partners to guide the child’s interactions with the world. Jewish values, customs and traditions guide all aspect of our teaching.